Christy: Choices of the Heart (2001) User Reviews

Catherine Marshall would have been proud...

[sasnelling · 9/10 · 11 February 2002]

CBS may have axed the delightful mid-1990s series based upon Catherine Marshall's beloved novel "Christy," but this movie and it's companions "Return to Cutter Gap" and "A New Beginning" are a welcome continuation of this family classic.

Newcomer Lauren Lee Smith gives just the right touch of grace and determination to the title role, David Waterston fills out the role of her suitor Minister David Grantland in ways the original series never reached, and Stewart Finlay-McLennan reprises his definitive portrayal of Christy's cantankerous yet captivating Dr. MacNeill. Sterling supporting performances by members of the original series' cast and additional newcomers round out a wonderful ensemble.

It is rare to find a film that is both high in filmmaking quality and in substance, yet also watchable by the entire family. This movie is all that and more.

With breathtaking cinematography, top-notch direction and editing, a musical score that suits the film to a T, and a screenplay that captures the very essence of the themes of Catherine Marshall's novel, this "Christy" is a worthwhile addition to any family's video library. My family has watched it again and again, and I am certain yours will love it too.

I loved it!!!!!!!!

[Rejoicen · 10/10 · 30 November 2002]

I totally loved it!!!! Only four were there that I know of from the original cast, but it was still worth it. And this movie finally answers the question for many Christy fans, "Who will she marry?" Now the cast is different, but if you avoid the comparison between the two, it is an incredible movie. I also thought that Stewart Finlay-McLennan did a excellent job as Dr. Neil MacNeill. He played the role wonderfully in the original, and wonderfully here too. I totally recommend it, especially for any Christy fans out there.

Extraordinary adaptation of a classic story of the redeeming power of love.

[Felininity · 10/10 · 13 February 2002]

This continuation of COTH Part 1 begins 3 months after Dr. Neil MacNeill has left Cutter Gap, TN. Christy Huddleston is seen growing ever more conflicted over her engagement to David Grantland while preoccupied with a wedding that is two weeks away. Dr. MacNeill's unexpected return to the cove further complicates the young woman's emotional state.

A surprise invitation from one of the suitors is the prelude to an impassioned declaration as the skies break into what becomes a torrential rainstorm. The risk of traveling back to the mission house in Cutter Gap necessitates staying overnight in a nearby cabin. A dramatic confrontation leads to the most revealing, emotionally bare conversations of the movie.

Stewart Finlay-McLennan gives the single best, most affecting performance of the entire movie and possibly his career in a scene that is pivotal for his character, Dr. Neil MacNeill. Lauren Lee Smith remains luminescent and vivacious in her performance as Christy Huddleston. James Waterston plays an earnest and likeable David Grantland. Lush mountain scenery, a well-written script and extremely good acting from the cast make this movie a joy for the mind and heart.

The subtitle for the movie is "A New Beginning." By the end of the movie and of the storm, the viewer sees the seeds for renewal in the lives of several characters. The potential for continuation of this classic story is well worth the effort and more than worthy of the viewer's time.

All in all, a good adaptation

[PleasantOne · 14 January 2002]

I enjoyed this movie immensely. While it was/is hard to adapt to the character changes, the actors are good and they pull it off. James Waterson makes a sweet and lovable David Grantland... which may be one of the problems in this movie as far as being true to the book, since the David of the book was a pompous, arrogant fool until the very end (although not as pompous and arrogant as the David from the original TV series :)). BUT I loved Waterson in this movie nonetheless.

Despite what the previous commentator said, these movies were more true to the book that the original TV series was. But I won't say why, because that would give it away ;) I would highly recommend reading the book before (or after) seeing this two part mini-series, so you can judge for yourself.

Horribly acted, written and directed

[corusca · 1/10 · 3 March 2009]

As a fan of both the book and TV series (as well as a native Tennessean), I was very excited when I came across a continuation. I shouldn't have been, because this was nothing but a constant disappointment. Miss Alice had none of the strength of will that her character was defined by, Lauren Lee Smith was completely lacking in the sweetness and charm that made Kellie Martin in the title role, and the rest of the cast either over-acted so much that I actually winced or were simply forgettable. Even the cast members who returned from the TV series seemed as if they had lost all connection to the characters.

In perhaps one of the more offensive changes, all the effort that had gone into making the characters sound convincingly Appalachian was lost, leaving the cast with generic and fake 'southern accents'.

In short, this mini-series was terrible, the dialog was atrocious, plot contrived and the acting was painful to witness.

Over all, a good film...

[cingee · 9/10 · 11 February 2002]

If you want to be entertained, this is a movie to see and enjoy. I didn't at first because it wasn't my original CBS series! That is still my favorite, and always will be...but these new movies have grown on me. We wanted more Christy and this is what we've gotten...we STILL want more Christy movies...and have our hopes that this will happen...SFM was wonderful in this...he is Doc MacNeill and it made the film so much better for me. Also having the original cast members playing Birds-Eye Taylor, Jeb Spencer, Tom and Opal McHone were a real boon to the film...All I can say in closing is that I liked it!

They changed the book for this movie!

[Anthony4908 · 1/10 · 2 December 2001]

Yuck and double yuck. They re-wrote "Christy" to make this lame movie. They made David and the old doctor best friends who fell in love with Christy. They replaced Kellie Martin, who was terrific, with Lauren Lee Smith. They added the flood of the century along with the typhoid epidemic. And, worst of all, they had Lauren Lee Smith lost in a rainstorm, instead of dying from typhoid. This scene brings about the doctor's confession and conversion to Christianity. Pathetic mess of a movie. The doctor looks too old to be Christy's husband. Don't waste your time with this junk.

Great family entertainment!

[True Image · 10/10 · 14 February 2002]

At long last, an extremely satisfying and very romantic conclusion to the CBS series! Fans fought for over 5 years to bring back Christy after an abrupt cancellation in 1995 and their wish came true in 2001. Part 1 of Christy: Choices of the Heart deals with the typhoid epidemic and it's aftermath while Part 2 deals with a terrifying storm which affects the inhabitants of Cutter and also ultimately reflects the "storm" in Christy's heart over the two men in her life.

Lauren Lee Smith takes over from Kellie Martin in the title role and radiates both innocence and maturity as Christy. James Waterston takes over from Randall Batinkoff as gives a sympathetic performance as Reverend David Grantland. Stewart Finlay-McLennan returns as Dr. Neil MacNeill from the CBS series and is just totally, and I mean totally outstanding and at his "zenith" in the role! I don't wish to give away any plot details but you have to see parts 1 and 2 together to thoroughly enjoy this adaptation of CM's novel. Kudos especially to returning cast members Mike Hickman as Bird's-Eye Taylor, Dale Dickey as Opal McHone, Andy Stahl as Tom McHone, and Bruce McKinnon as Jeb Spencer.

A wonderful conclusion to a compelling story--action, adventure, and romance, what more could you want!

[Critic2017B · 6 January 2002]

At last the answer to the question millions who have read the book have wondered about for over thirty years--just who does Christy marry. This exciting adventure answers that question once and for all.

If you want action, including a life-threatening storm and flood complete with a river rescue, a beloved character trapped under a collapsed building, the lead character suffering from a near fatal fever, and passionate verbal and physical exchanges between Christy and her future husband, then this one is the one to watch.

The acting is the best in the three new Christy movies and Miss Smith gives a convincing performance as the lead character. This movie also contains Finlay-McLennan's as Dr. MacNeil at his absolute best...he has several pivotal scenes with Christy that will move you beyond belief. You will also enjoy both James Waterston as David Grantland and Jacob Witkin as Dr. Ferrand here as they set out on a trek through the storm to aid the others and in the process, you learn a great deal about these two fine men.

The wedding is also just what we had all hoped for for so many years, and it is beautiful, tearful and joyful at the same time.

Other supporting players give great performances--Olivia Kelly as Ruby Mae is a treat, and she adds the light comedy in a charming way. Dale Dickey as Opal McHone is fantastic...she gives a totally real, inspiring performance. And Mike Hickman as Bird's Eye Taylor has a really great moment in this film.

I can not recommend this film enough...especially for true "Christy" fans. There are some scenes here that will leave you breathless. This is also the most spiritual of the three movies and those who watch "Christy" for its religious and moral values will not be disappointed. Your whole family should enjoy this.